Travis Tritt called 'racist' for criticising Beyonce's CMAs 2016 performance

Beyonce had teamed up with Dixie Chicks to perform at the Country Music Awards (CMA) on 2 November, but not everyone was pleased about the Single Ladies hitmaker's gig. Country music star Travis Tritt made his displeasure clear on social media, but soon attracted some criticism from Beyonce's fans.

The Where Corn Don't Grow singer was unhappy about non-country music stars like Beyonce performing at the CMAs. The 53-year-old had tweeted, "I don't care where she was born. Beyonce is not a country artists and everybody knows it."

Tritt then went on to question whether country singers would be asked to perform on award shows like BET or SoulTrain.

"Thanks to everyone who came out to see us in Bowling Green, KY tonight. Sorry we weren't able to do any Beyoncé for all the country fans," he wrote. "FYI - My band and I are gonna try to work up Beyoncé's 'All The Single Ladies' for all you die hard country fans who love traditional music!"

"I want to know when the BET or SoulTrain awards are gonna ask a country artist to perform on their awards show?" Tritt added.

He also pointed out that the country music and its award shows can stand on its own and it does not need pop artists to attract viewers.

"As I see it, country music has appealed to millions for many years. We can stand on our own and don't need pop artists on our awards shows. I love honest to God country music and feel the need to stand up for it at all costs. We don't need pop or rap artists to validate us," he wrote.

After Tritt's comments on Beyonce's performance, fans and followers of the songstress slammed him and called him "racist". However, Tritt rebuffed the claims and pointed out that in the past he has worked with the likes of Charlie Pride, Buddy Guy, BB King, Patti Labelle and Randy Jackson among others.

"I've worked with Charlie Pride, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Patti Labelle, Randy Jackson, Sam Moore, Ray Charles, Isaac Hayes," Tritt wrote.

"...Never thought I would ever be labeled as a racist," he added.